It’s About to Be Fall-bulous

Who needs candles when you have apples, spices, and fresh mountain air?

Quick note, my goal at the moment is to make this newsletter bi-weekly. Which I know goes against every marketers opinion on newslettering, but I don’t care. It’s gonna take me a minute to get my workflow to a weekly status for these babies. It’ll just make the moment you get to read one extra special. Obviously.

Anywho, since the last butter thief, I’ve been manifesting fall as hard as I can and exploring more of North Carolina as promised. I was hoping to get more coastal coverage in time for any last-minute summer vacays, but t’wasn’t in the cards. I’ll just get it a little off-season so you can plan wayyy ahead for next year, deal? But all that means…

We’re heading to Western North Carolina next! After WNC was severely hit by Hurricane Helene last fall, there is still so much being done to repair many areas (which will take many years to complete). I’ve compiled a list of ways you can help support here, if you’re interested. Also, if you know of any more, I’m happy to add.

That being said, there are a lot of towns open and wanting you to come visit. So, I’m gonna explore them and let you know my hot takes so you can plan your own visits! It’s gonna take a few trips, but I don’t mind, cause I love me some mountain air. Get ready for all the small town, artsy fartsy, good eating, vibes!

Ok, I know I promised my newsletters wouldn’t be super long in my inaugural edition but… I’m working on it. A lot has happened in the last two weeks! I mean, first and foremost, I got a kitchen torch. So I’m about to light everything on fire. And then I roped my mom into a 5-day Asheville area tour. We have a lot to unpack (figuratively, cause I unpack and put away my travels the night I return, like the Type A gal I am).

GOLDEN GOODIES

First, we’re going to start with some of the latest bakes. Yes, I am a July baby, and yes, I do (mostly) hate summer. The weather of this one, especially. I’m just pretending it’s fall already.

• Homemade Apple Butter: It cooks low and slow and will make your kitchen smell fall-tastic. The browning happening on the bottom of your pot? That’s color and flavor, so scrape and stir all of it right into your butter. Perfect on toast, stirred into yogurt, topping pancakes, or spread onto scones…

• Apple Cinnamon Scones: Paired perfectly with the above apple butter. We’re grating the apple for a more even distribution (and cause I prefer a less chunky bite). BONUS: We get to squeeze that excess juice right into a glass for a quick, tasty beverage.

• Mini Galette: The kick-off for my toaster oven series. Perfect for the tiny space dwellers, toaster-oven naysayers, and, honestly, small-batch lovers. For this bake, you can easily mix it up with your favorite jam or use the homemade blueberry one I’ve listed in the recipe!

• S’mores Cookie Cake: One of my favorite treats is a s’more (well, s’mores, cause I’m never having just one). A graham cracker flavored cookie base, 2-ingredient milk chocolate ganache, and a quick Swiss meringue (just egg whites, sugar, and a little cream of tartar). Also, don’t we love that thrift shop find, hand-painted plate?!

• Mini Roasted Garlic Rosemary Focaccia: We’re going savory for the second toaster oven bake (just dropped today!). It’s so easy to make - do it in a few hours or prep it the day before. I love it on its own, but it can also be turned into a top-notch sandwich.

TRAVEL ACCENTS

There are SO MANY cute towns in Western North Carolina that it would be impossible to cover in one fell swoop (and way less fun). While some aren’t open yet for tourism, so many are, and I’m more than happy to shout them out.

• Because I love a listicle, these are 4 cutie patootie towns near Asheville, NC. I was amazed at how close one town is to the next (all under 35 minutes!). They’re an art-lover’s, bakery-finder's, mountain-viewer's dream.

• One of my new favorite mountain towns: Marshall, North Carolina. It was hit incredibly hard by Hurricane Helene. Flood waters rose to a record-breaking 27 feet, covering Main Street and leaving behind incredible damage. But the resilience of the town is a sight to behold. While there are still many shops closed, there are plenty open in this absolutely charming mountain town. I can’t wait to go back.

Okie doke, thanks so much for reading and supporting! Maybe I’ll see you next week (likely in two).

Byeeee

Hannah

P.S. If you make these recipes or explore some of these towns, tag me @accentgolden on Instagram and TikTok so I know I’m not just chatting with myself!